English gilt metal verge for the Chinese market Circa 1780

Large center seconds sedan clock by R. Twyford
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A large English gilt metal, enamel and gem set center seconds sedan clock watch made for the Chinese market, circa 1780. Gilt full plate movement chased and engraved with a floral design, verge escapement, pierced balance cock in the form of a star, diamond endstone. Signed and numbered gilt dust cover. White enamel dial, Roman numerals, gold hands and blued steel center seconds hand. Inner case with pierced scrolling decoration to the band, back engraved with flowers, outer case with polychrome enamel plaque to the center depicting a classical couple within a landscape, pink and white paste stone border, pierced decoration to the band and bezel, paste set bezel. Movement and dust cover signed.
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Diameter: 100 mm
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Signed: R. Twyford London
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The present watch with its paste set bezel and center seconds are typical features found in watches made for the Chinese market. For two similar examples, in the Palace Collection, see Clocks and Watches of the Qing Dynasty From the Collection in the Forbidden City, figs. 75 and 85.